South Carolina Trivia and Symbols

Nickname Palmetto State	State Fruit Peach	State Animal Whitetail Deer
State bird Carolina Wren	State Fish Striped bass	State Dog Boykin Spaniel
State Gem Amethyst	State Stone Blue Granite
State Tree Palmetto	State Flower Yellow Jessamine

Charleston's Historic District was the first to be designated in the U.S. There are more than 2,000 historic buildings, more than 70 pre-date the Revolutionary War and more than 700 were constructed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.For five consecutive years, Charleston has been voted one of the Top 10 U.S. travel destinations.

Charleston is located in a temperate climate zone. Shore temperatures can be several degrees cooler than inland in the summer, and warmer in winter. Winters are short and mild. Spring and fall are extended and mild, offering countless opportunities for enjoying the beauty and nature of Charleston and the surrounding areas. The seasons do change - some northerners say they'd miss the defined changes in the seasons - Charleston is a year-round vacation and retirement destination, and all you'd miss is the blizzard and the snow shovel

Christmas in Charleston celebrations, along with the Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Blues arrives in February with the annual Lowcountry Blues Bash. There is also the World’s Largest Oyster Roast at Boone Hall. The mild climate makes Charleston a year-round golf destination. During most of the winter, the temperatures will require only the wearing of a light jacket or a t-shirt.

In the winter, take in some great blues all over the city, during the Budweiser Blues Fest in February

In the Spring, there's golfing, gardens tours, and festivals. The weather is the most comfortable for outdoor activities and the tourist crowds haven't swooped down on the historic city. In March and April, there’s the annual Festival of Gardens and Houses Week. In May, attend the Spoleto Festival USA, in venues throughout the city and Sculpture in the South, Summerville’s annual sculpture show and sale.

When it gets hot, visit one of the beautiful area beaches at Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or take the kids to the Splash Zone or Splash Island.

The annual Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes and Gardens runs in the fall through October, and for those who are considering relocating to Charleston, but think they would miss the changing of the seasons - the brilliant fall foliage remains a visual focal point well into the season. Daytime temperatures are mild, and a sweater or light jacket will suffice. November 1 begins ushering in the Christmas season with the annual Holiday of Lights at James Island County Park.